Halliwells: Manchester
Location: 3 Hardman Square, Spinningfields, Manchester
Sector: Legal
Project Size: 180,000 sq ft
Project Value: £2.1m (Furniture); £500k (Audiovisual)
Scope of Works: Consultancy > Furniture > Audiovisual
The Brief
Spinningfields stands as one of Manchester’s most important commercial districts—its 12 signature buildings have been designed by the likes of Foster and Partners, RHWL and Denton Corker Marshall. It was a Foster-designed building at 3 Hardman Square that was elected as the new home to Halliwells, the UK’s fastest-growing law firm with around 1,000 employees, over 700 of whom would be based at the Hardman Square office.
Claremont Group Interiors was commissioned to supply the complete furniture package for this new flagship office. From the outset, Claremont had a very clear view of what the new interior meant to the company and in the need to develop a package which would facilitate the move’s key drivers— to create more collaborative spaces to increase inter-departmental and team interaction, to develop an impressive business lounge facility for clients and visitors, and to deliver all with style, quality and functionality in mind.”
Claremont Group Interiors was commissioned to supply the complete furniture package for this new flagship office. From the outset, Claremont had a very clear view of what the new interior meant to the company and in the need to develop a package which would facilitate the move’s key drivers— to create more collaborative spaces to increase inter-departmental and team interaction, to develop an impressive business lounge facility for clients and visitors, and to deliver all with style, quality and functionality in mind.”
The Solution
Working with a range of manufacturers, including Dauphin, Vitra, K&N and Orangebox, Claremont supplied a comprehensive furniture package which successfully met the aesthetic, functional and budgetary needs of the client.
Floors two to seven include training suites, meeting rooms, break-out spaces and touch-down points, each supported by a wide range of storage options. In each area there are six levels of storage, including coat storage, adjustable shelving for taking lever arch or A4 files, general filing storage (shelf over desk + storage wall units) and personal lockers. Venture up one floor and you are in the client suite, fronted by a dedicated reception and surrounded by views of Manchester’s rooftops. As well as the boardroom there are two seminar rooms, seventeen smaller meeting rooms, and a 90-seat café and lounge. The striking physical environment is underpinned by impressive audiovisual and multimedia infrastructure—all supplied by Claremont’s ‘Viewpoint’ division.
Floors two to seven include training suites, meeting rooms, break-out spaces and touch-down points, each supported by a wide range of storage options. In each area there are six levels of storage, including coat storage, adjustable shelving for taking lever arch or A4 files, general filing storage (shelf over desk + storage wall units) and personal lockers. Venture up one floor and you are in the client suite, fronted by a dedicated reception and surrounded by views of Manchester’s rooftops. As well as the boardroom there are two seminar rooms, seventeen smaller meeting rooms, and a 90-seat café and lounge. The striking physical environment is underpinned by impressive audiovisual and multimedia infrastructure—all supplied by Claremont’s ‘Viewpoint’ division.
Audiovisual Works
Halliwells further commissioned Claremont’s ‘Viewpoint’ audiovisual division to build, project manage and install a high-end audiovisual systems package to support the company’s meeting rooms and client/ executive spaces.
Viewpoint supplied the audiovisual package for all meeting rooms across 6 floors, two videoconferencing rooms, breakout and waiting areas, seminar rooms, and the main boardroom to the 8th floor.
Meeting Rooms
All images displayed on 50” diagonal plasma screens recessed into focal wall.
Video sources from VCR, DVD, TV. Auxiliary video connections can be displayed as well as computer video signals from dedicated PC and laptop (with connection at desktop). Associated audio signals played via flush ceiling-mounted speakers.
Control of equipment by infra red handset linked to a ‘system switcher’ control device allowing for one press routing of all video and audio sources as well as providing channel selection for TV and transport commands for DVD/ VCR. Remote control of volume and system power.
Video sources from VCR, DVD, TV. Auxiliary video connections can be displayed as well as computer video signals from dedicated PC and laptop (with connection at desktop). Associated audio signals played via flush ceiling-mounted speakers.
Control of equipment by infra red handset linked to a ‘system switcher’ control device allowing for one press routing of all video and audio sources as well as providing channel selection for TV and transport commands for DVD/ VCR. Remote control of volume and system power.
Video Conferencing Rooms
Specification as per meeting rooms with the following modifications: Images displayed on 60” diagonal plasma screens recessed into focal wall. Audio conference calling via fixed table microphones set into bespoke panels with mute buttons routed to an audio hybrid. Incoming audio via ceiling mounted speakers.
Video conference capabilities from IP/ISDN codec. A high definition camera is wall recessed to capture local video. Table-mounted buttons at microphone positions can be pressed automatically to bring the camera to the current speaker(s). Data/ video presentations can be made to remote parties from any PC or video source. Presentations/ VC sessions can be recorded to DVD. Wireless touch screen control panel allows for remote control of: system power, source selection, DVD/ VCR transport commands, TV channel selection, video and audio conference control, camera switching, lighting levels and operation of motorised blinds, and volume levels.
Video conference capabilities from IP/ISDN codec. A high definition camera is wall recessed to capture local video. Table-mounted buttons at microphone positions can be pressed automatically to bring the camera to the current speaker(s). Data/ video presentations can be made to remote parties from any PC or video source. Presentations/ VC sessions can be recorded to DVD. Wireless touch screen control panel allows for remote control of: system power, source selection, DVD/ VCR transport commands, TV channel selection, video and audio conference control, camera switching, lighting levels and operation of motorised blinds, and volume levels.
Seminar Rooms
Specification as per videoconferencing rooms, with the following modifications:
Small seminar rooms: split-fold dividing wall allows for different presentation spaces. Large seminar rooms: each split space has its own dedicated AV system. When the room divide is opened or closed, the system automatically adjusts the audio output and lighting control to the appropriate room configuration. Small seminar rooms: images displayed in 16:9 ratio on a screen paint wall surface via a ceiling mounted LCD projector in a motorised hoist. Large seminar rooms: projector mounted in a
projection rig. A bespoke lectern houses laptop inputand gooseneck microphone.
Audio conference calling via radio frequency lapel microphones. 2 high definition cameras are wall recessed either side of the projected image.
Small seminar rooms: split-fold dividing wall allows for different presentation spaces. Large seminar rooms: each split space has its own dedicated AV system. When the room divide is opened or closed, the system automatically adjusts the audio output and lighting control to the appropriate room configuration. Small seminar rooms: images displayed in 16:9 ratio on a screen paint wall surface via a ceiling mounted LCD projector in a motorised hoist. Large seminar rooms: projector mounted in a
projection rig. A bespoke lectern houses laptop inputand gooseneck microphone.
Audio conference calling via radio frequency lapel microphones. 2 high definition cameras are wall recessed either side of the projected image.
8th Floor Boardroom
All of the features as outlined above plus the following modifications:
All images displayed in 16:9 ratio on a rear projection screen via an LCD projector mounted in a projection rig. 3 high definition cameras are wall recessed either side of the projected image. These can be switched to provide best view and directed via table-mounted buttons to the current speaker(s).
All images displayed in 16:9 ratio on a rear projection screen via an LCD projector mounted in a projection rig. 3 high definition cameras are wall recessed either side of the projected image. These can be switched to provide best view and directed via table-mounted buttons to the current speaker(s).
The Result
The finished workspace not only provides eight levels of efficient and productive space, but also an environment which, through quality, style and simplicity, echoes the spirit and strength of the company’s investment.
Aesthetically, the furniture package offered by Claremont gives way to an office which is exciting and stylised but not imposing. Quality, functionality and longevity were all key elements of the package. At every level, each floor projects a fresh, refined and successful image.
Aesthetically, the furniture package offered by Claremont gives way to an office which is exciting and stylised but not imposing. Quality, functionality and longevity were all key elements of the package. At every level, each floor projects a fresh, refined and successful image.
“The move to Spinningfields is a fantastic springboard for us to move forward as the region’s pre-eminent law firm. We are delighted to have worked with Claremont on our impressive new building. Their positive and committed approach coupled with their ability to provide a high level of service made them the ideal partner in the provision of our first class working environment as we continue to expand across every area of the firm”.
Ian Austin, Managing Partner - Halliwells
0800 262 880
Quick links: office design | office planning | office refurbishment | office relocation | office fitout | office interiors | sitemap
Claremont Group Interiors | The Breeze | Viewpoint AV | Airangel |